Laura, welcome to world (literally) of Shortwave Radio. Many things to
listen to, other countries, planes over the ocean, ships on the ocean, Ham
radio operators, and the list goes on. By all means, find and/or subscribe
to Monitoring Times. They have a section that is like a TV Guide to the
International Broadcast Bands (plus lots of other info). Quite helpful. Ask
questions here or in Yahoo groups. You'll find most of us willing to help.

Dan, I *loved* your explanation of the ionosphere. I've never seen it
explained quite that way before, but you made it so eloquent and simple.
I'll have to remember it.

Eric KA6USJ